FAMILIES who have suffered drunken gangs fighting and causing vandalism in the early hours were told today their battle to stop the problems was at an end.

FAMILIES who have suffered drunken gangs fighting and causing vandalism in the early hours were told today their battle to stop the problems was at an end.

Residents and the police say the situation has eased since seafront takeaway The Bodrum Grill has been forced to shut at 1am by a closing order.

But it had been feared the takeaway's owner Mehmet Yalcin was trying to make yet another appeal against the order, which prevents his premises in Felixstowe opening between 1am and 5am.

Today though Suffolk Coastal said it had been told that there would be no fresh appeal - and the matter was finally at an end.

Mr Yalcin, of Sheldrake Drive, Ipswich, had already had one appeal rejected by the courts and, after missing the deadline to lodge a further appeal, had decided not to pursue the matter any further.

Assistant chief executive Bruce Laws said: "As far as we understand from our legal team, the proprietor has nowhere else to go in terms of an appeal."

Malcolm Minns, deputy chairman of the council, said the council would be liaising closely with the police, who would be keeping an eye on the operation of the takeaway and any trouble outside.

He said the council always had the option of enforcement action if there was any breach of the closing order.

The Bodrum Grill, at the Ordnance roundabout in Undercliff Road West, has been a gathering point for youths after the resort's nightclubs close.

Although the takeaway has been well run and without complaints, its decision to stay open until sometimes 5am to take advantage of trade from the youngsters has angered residents and encouraged gangs to stay in the area.

Councillors decided last summer that the fast-food outlet should shut before the nightclubs kick-out after hearing evidence from police called to deal with problems outside, and residents who dubbed the area "Lagerloutsville".

Up to 100 youngsters were blamed for noise and unruly behaviour, swearing, vandalism, litter, urinating and being sick in gardens, and showing off in their cars and causing danger in the street.

Felixstowe police commander Insp Andy Bushell said that if there was a further appeal the police would put forward to the court the positive change in the situation since the closing order was implemented.

n Has the situation improved since the Bodrum started closing at 1am? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk